'About 22,000 RTI applications disposed off'

The Karnataka Information Commissioner (KIC) has so far disposed off 22,000 applications seeking information on various issues. KIC commissioner Shekar Sajjanar said here that the commission had so far received 30,000 applications of which nearly 76 per cent had been disposed of.

Speaking here at an event organised by the Karnataka Right to Information Federation here at the weekend, he said the KIC till recently had only two commissioners and as a result the disposal of applications had not been at the expected pace. Now that the government has appointed five additional commissioners, the remaining applications will be dealt with speedily.

 

He stated that it is the duty of the department concerned to furnish the details sought under the RTI Act within 30 days. Besides, the officials should not make the people run from pillar to post in getting the required details. Every official has to deliver the details at the doorstep of the RTI applicant within the stipulated time.

Sajjanavar said, the RTI Act has had a huge impact on the administration. Though RTI filing activity has to gain momentum in a few areas, the sensitised class is already making use of this act to bring in transparency in administration. The RTI Act has just six chapters, 31 sections and 50 pages. But, this act is considered to be one of the most powerful legislation to bring about reforms in the administration, he observed.